Event Preview | Lantern Festival with Opera Charm: Crafting Round Shapes by Hand

“Yuanxiao” has been enjoyed as a food for centuries. During the Song Dynasty, a novel delicacy traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival was already popular among the people; it was first called “fuyuanzi,” later renamed “yuanxiao,” and merchants even bestowed upon it the elegant name “yuanbao.” Yuanxiao is filled with ingredients such as white sugar, rose petals, sesame seeds, red bean paste, osmanthus, walnut kernels, assorted nuts, and jujube paste, then wrapped in glutinous rice flour into round shapes. It can be prepared savory or sweet, offering a variety of flavors. It may be boiled in soup, deep-fried, or steamed, symbolizing family reunion and happiness. In northern China, it is known as yuanxiao, while in the south it is called tangyuan.

On this festive occasion, the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall in Fuzhou City is presenting the “Lunar New Year Opera Charm: Crafting Perfect ‘Tangyuan + Bowl’ Handcrafts” event. Centered on “purely handmade creation,” the activity invites participants to immerse themselves in hands-on crafting, savoring both the holiday spirit and the joy of making.